Smooth data transmission even with vibrations: ME-Meßsysteme
The Project Overview
To ensure that machines and systems are operated safely and precisely, the forces and torques, especially on the axes, need to be monitored constantly. One proven methodology for obtaining reliable results is strain gauge technology. However, since the sensors are very small, the connection technology also has to be suitably minimized. At the same time, data transmission must remain stable even when there are vibrations. For this purpose, ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors rely on a combination of six independent strain gauge sensors. These are equipped with strain gauges in full-bridge configuration. Based on the six sensor signals, the forces in the three axes of the space as well as the three moments around these axes are precisely calculated according to a calculation rule. In recent years, requirements for the precision of measurements and sensors’ reaction times have increased continuously.
The connectors in the Fischer MiniMax™ Series are truly made for this field of application. Thanks to their compact design, they are small enough to be easily integrated into the sensors, yet have the required contacts, are resistant to liquids up to IP68, and provide reliable data transmission even when there are vibrations.
To ensure that machines and systems are operated safely and precisely, the forces and torques, especially on the axes, need to be monitored constantly. One proven methodology for obtaining reliable results is strain gauge technology. However, since the sensors are very small, the connection technology also has to be suitably minimized. At the same time, data transmission must remain stable even when there are vibrations. For this purpose, ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors rely on a combination of six independent strain gauge sensors. These are equipped with strain gauges in full-bridge configuration. Based on the six sensor signals, the forces in the three axes of the space as well as the three moments around these axes are precisely calculated according to a calculation rule. In recent years, requirements for the precision of measurements and sensors’ reaction times have increased continuously.
The connectors in the Fischer MiniMax™ Series are truly made for this field of application. Thanks to their compact design, they are small enough to be easily integrated into the sensors, yet have the required contacts, are resistant to liquids up to IP68, and provide reliable data transmission even when there are vibrations.
To ensure that machines and systems are operated safely and precisely, the forces and torques, especially on the axes, need to be monitored constantly. One proven methodology for obtaining reliable results is strain gauge technology. However, since the sensors are very small, the connection technology also has to be suitably minimized. At the same time, data transmission must remain stable even when there are vibrations. For this purpose, ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors rely on a combination of six independent strain gauge sensors. These are equipped with strain gauges in full-bridge configuration. Based on the six sensor signals, the forces in the three axes of the space as well as the three moments around these axes are precisely calculated according to a calculation rule. In recent years, requirements for the precision of measurements and sensors’ reaction times have increased continuously.
The connectors in the Fischer MiniMax™ Series are truly made for this field of application. Thanks to their compact design, they are small enough to be easily integrated into the sensors, yet have the required contacts, are resistant to liquids up to IP68, and provide reliable data transmission even when there are vibrations.
Key challenges
- Multiple contacts in the smallest of spaces
- Resistant to liquids
- Reliable data transmission even with vibrations
Main technical requirements
- Robust
- Reliable
- Durable
- Compact
About “ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D”
The forces and torques acting on machines and systems, especially on the axes, need to be monitored constantly. This is the only way to ensure safe and precise operation. One proven methodology for obtaining reliable results is strain gauge technology. However, since the sensors are very small, the connection technology also has to be suitably minimized. At the same time, data transmission must remain stable even when there are vibrations. For its sensors, ME-Meßsysteme GmbH from Hennigsdorf in Brandenburg, Germany, therefore relies on the compact, robust connectors in the Fischer MiniMax™ Series.
The forces and torques acting on machines and systems, especially on the axes, need to be monitored constantly. This is the only way to ensure safe and precise operation. One proven methodology for obtaining reliable results is strain gauge technology. However, since the sensors are very small, the connection technology also has to be suitably minimized. At the same time, data transmission must remain stable even when there are vibrations. For its sensors, ME-Meßsysteme GmbH from Hennigsdorf in Brandenburg, Germany, therefore relies on the compact, robust connectors in the Fischer MiniMax™ Series.
The forces and torques acting on machines and systems, especially on the axes, need to be monitored constantly. This is the only way to ensure safe and precise operation. One proven methodology for obtaining reliable results is strain gauge technology. However, since the sensors are very small, the connection technology also has to be suitably minimized. At the same time, data transmission must remain stable even when there are vibrations. For its sensors, ME-Meßsysteme GmbH from Hennigsdorf in Brandenburg, Germany, therefore relies on the compact, robust connectors in the Fischer MiniMax™ Series.
Reliable measurement data are crucial for ensuring that systems and machines in robotics, medical technology or the automotive industry operate safely and efficiently. Data showing which forces and torques are acting on axes are particularly important. For this purpose, ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors rely on a combination of six independent strain gauge sensors. These are equipped with strain gauges in full-bridge configuration. Based on the six sensor signals, the forces in the three axes of the space as well as the three moments around these axes are precisely calculated according to a calculation rule.
Reliable measurement data are crucial for ensuring that systems and machines in robotics, medical technology or the automotive industry operate safely and efficiently. Data showing which forces and torques are acting on axes are particularly important. For this purpose, ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors rely on a combination of six independent strain gauge sensors. These are equipped with strain gauges in full-bridge configuration. Based on the six sensor signals, the forces in the three axes of the space as well as the three moments around these axes are precisely calculated according to a calculation rule.
Reliable measurement data are crucial for ensuring that systems and machines in robotics, medical technology or the automotive industry operate safely and efficiently. Data showing which forces and torques are acting on axes are particularly important. For this purpose, ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors rely on a combination of six independent strain gauge sensors. These are equipped with strain gauges in full-bridge configuration. Based on the six sensor signals, the forces in the three axes of the space as well as the three moments around these axes are precisely calculated according to a calculation rule.
In recent years, requirements on precision in measurements and sensors’ reaction times have increased continuously. Since analog technologies offer a huge speed advantage when converting signals, these are usually relied on in practice. In addition to their high precision, they can also achieve very short response times. This is essential, particularly for fast machine processes and robots.
The sensors have to transmit the analog and sensitive small signals from the process to the control computer faster and faster. This is a major challenge, especially for sensors with small mechanical proportions and several integrated dimensions – in particular, for the connector between the sensor unit and the transmission. The junction between the connector and sensor is the most critical in the entire system. Machine vibration or movement at the solder joints can cause connectors to lose the connection. The results are: errors in measurements and machine downtime to fix them. These are best avoided. The connection situation is particularly critical for force-torque sensors like ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors. A total of 24 contacts (6×4) are required to connect the strain gauges. Due to increasing miniaturization, the connectors have to be very small yet powerful. Until now, reliable transmission of strain gauge signals has only been possible using one connector per strain gauge. Therefore, the challenge for force-torque sensors was to integrate all 24 contacts into a single connector. At the same time, the connectors’ weight had to be reduced to guarantee maximal contact reliability even with high accelerations and vibrations. Conventional connectors do not generally meet the application’s requirements. The connectors are either prone to vibration, not waterproof, too heavy or complex to assemble. The Fischer MiniMax™ Series connectors fix this problem.
In recent years, requirements on precision in measurements and sensors’ reaction times have increased continuously. Since analog technologies offer a huge speed advantage when converting signals, these are usually relied on in practice. In addition to their high precision, they can also achieve very short response times. This is essential, particularly for fast machine processes and robots.
The sensors have to transmit the analog and sensitive small signals from the process to the control computer faster and faster. This is a major challenge, especially for sensors with small mechanical proportions and several integrated dimensions – in particular, for the connector between the sensor unit and the transmission. The junction between the connector and sensor is the most critical in the entire system. Machine vibration or movement at the solder joints can cause connectors to lose the connection. The results are: errors in measurements and machine downtime to fix them. These are best avoided. The connection situation is particularly critical for force-torque sensors like ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors. A total of 24 contacts (6×4) are required to connect the strain gauges. Due to increasing miniaturization, the connectors have to be very small yet powerful. Until now, reliable transmission of strain gauge signals has only been possible using one connector per strain gauge. Therefore, the challenge for force-torque sensors was to integrate all 24 contacts into a single connector. At the same time, the connectors’ weight had to be reduced to guarantee maximal contact reliability even with high accelerations and vibrations. Conventional connectors do not generally meet the application’s requirements. The connectors are either prone to vibration, not waterproof, too heavy or complex to assemble. The Fischer MiniMax™ Series connectors fix this problem.
In recent years, requirements on precision in measurements and sensors’ reaction times have increased continuously. Since analog technologies offer a huge speed advantage when converting signals, these are usually relied on in practice. In addition to their high precision, they can also achieve very short response times. This is essential, particularly for fast machine processes and robots.
The sensors have to transmit the analog and sensitive small signals from the process to the control computer faster and faster. This is a major challenge, especially for sensors with small mechanical proportions and several integrated dimensions – in particular, for the connector between the sensor unit and the transmission. The junction between the connector and sensor is the most critical in the entire system. Machine vibration or movement at the solder joints can cause connectors to lose the connection. The results are: errors in measurements and machine downtime to fix them. These are best avoided. The connection situation is particularly critical for force-torque sensors like ME-Meßsysteme’s K6D sensors. A total of 24 contacts (6×4) are required to connect the strain gauges. Due to increasing miniaturization, the connectors have to be very small yet powerful. Until now, reliable transmission of strain gauge signals has only been possible using one connector per strain gauge. Therefore, the challenge for force-torque sensors was to integrate all 24 contacts into a single connector. At the same time, the connectors’ weight had to be reduced to guarantee maximal contact reliability even with high accelerations and vibrations. Conventional connectors do not generally meet the application’s requirements. The connectors are either prone to vibration, not waterproof, too heavy or complex to assemble. The Fischer MiniMax™ Series connectors fix this problem.
Challenges & Opportunities
Small connector, big impact
The very powerful and robust MP11 connectors in the Fischer MiniMax™ Series are used in the 6-axis force sensors. What makes them special is that, during cable assembly, the individual strands are encapsulated several times and the cable sheath is overmolded using special molding technologies to prevent resistance changes from occurring during vibrations and cable movements. The cable from the sensor to the amplifier must demonstrate stable resistance behavior under thermal and mechanical stress, which is usually achieved through a special drag chain-compatible cable design and supported by the molding process on the connector. This combination results in very high vibration resistance.
Connecting and disconnecting the interconnect cable is equally safe and robust with this connectivity system. This saves service technicians a considerable amount of time when assembling, installing, servicing or calibrating the system. Moreover, the MiniMax connectors compel on account of their low weight, very compact dimensions, and resistance to liquids up to IP68.
“In the past, we’d tested various connectors from different manufacturers, but we’d always came up against the same problems: The connectors were either prone to vibration, not waterproof, too heavy or complicated to assemble. All in all, they didn’t meet our requirements nor those of the application. When we came across the Fischer MiniMax(™ Series connectors, we’d found our solution. The MiniMax connectors are compelling, particularly due to their low weight, very compact dimensions and resistance to liquids in compliance with IP68.”
Dr. Holger Kabelitz Managing Director of ME-Meßsysteme GmbH
Since ME-Meßsysteme also has even smaller multiple sensors in its portfolio, with the K3R 3-axis force-torque sensor and the K3D 3-axis force sensor, the company was also looking for a solution with the same requirements here. The K3R and K3D measure forces on the X, Y and Z axes. For this, 12 connections are required, namely four per strain gauge. Since this application is even smaller than the K6D, a special solution was needed here too. Again, Fischer Connectors was able to help with its MiniMax connectors. For such small and special applications, the MiniMax in size 06 with 12 contacts and a reduced diameter offers the same benefits as in the K6D family for all three measuring channels. Even the smallest connectors in the Fischer Minimax™ Series enable extremely robust signal transmission. Not even machine vibrations influence the transmission resistances or the resultant signal stability.
Selected connectivity solution
Fischer MiniMax™
HIGH-DENSITY MINIATURIZATION
HIGH-SPEED DATA TRANSFER
RELIABILITY